St Mary's Cathedral stands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. The first Cathedral,
started in 1821 burned down, a small portion remains on the east side of the current Cathedral which was started in 1865 was designed by William Wardell in a style that is inpired by the best features of English and French Cathedrals of the 13th century. The front with it's twin spires that soar 75 metres is particularly reminiscent of the French geometric Gothic of that period, whereas from the side it has a more English look.
'Favourite features' of this great and beautiful building include the stunning terrazzo marble floors of the crypt and the 14 bells of the central tower heard and loved throughout central Sydney.
The Cathedral, like it's medieval forebears is a 'work in progress' and it is possible to find around the building 'unfinished portions'. The most recent 'additions' were the south spires built in 1998-2000 to the original 135 year old drawings of Wardell.
As the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney, it lives as an important part of the spiritual and cultural life of Sydney and the nation.
. The Nativity scene in Cathedral Square was instigated by Cardinal Pell who has been concerned over the gradual removal of Christ as the central message of Christmas. Cardinal Pell says "I would invite all people of good will to come and spend some time reflecting on the central role of Jesus in Christmas, to take time out from Christmas parties, end of school activities and present buying to prepare their hearts for Christmas and the coming again of the Son of God as man."
Comments